Deadly Fungus Kills Thousands Every Year. Scientists Found Where It Hides
Summary
Scientists have discovered how the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris hides on human skin by changing the immune response, allowing it to survive and spread. This fungus is hard to remove and kills thousands of hospital patients in the U.S. every year, especially those with weakened immune systems.Key Facts
- Candida auris is a fungus that can live on skin and cause deadly infections if it enters the bloodstream.
- It was first identified in Japan in 2009 and is now found in hospitals and care facilities worldwide.
- The fungus has been detected in about two dozen U.S. states as of mid-2026.
- Candida auris alters its cell wall to expose chitin, which tricks the immune system into a weaker response that allows it to survive on skin.
- Unlike a common fungus called Candida albicans, C. auris avoids the usual antifungal immune response and settles deep in hair follicles.
- The fungus causes immune cells to produce interferon gamma, which reduces the skin’s natural defense, instead of IL-17, which would help clear the infection.
- Researchers suggest future treatments could focus on shifting the immune response back to IL-17 or blocking chitin to stop the fungus from hiding on the skin.
- Candida auris causes about 3,000 deaths per year in the U.S. due to its drug resistance and infection risks.
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